Novak Djokovic missed out on a seventh Paris Masters title following a shock defeat to unseeded Danish teenager Holger Rune in the final. Djokovic, the 21-time Grand Slam winner, appeared on course for glory after racing to the opening set in just 36 minutes. But the 19-year-old immediately bounced back by breaking the Serb, 35, early on in the second to take the showpiece to a decider.
He then recovered from an early break in the third set before breaking Djokovic’s serve in the 11th game and fending off six break points, to take his maiden Masters title 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in two hours and 32 minutes.
Rune, who remarkably survived three match points in his opening match, becomes the youngest Paris Masters Champion since Boris Becker; then aged 18, triumphed in 1986. His victory also ensures he will be the first Danish player ranked in the top 10 in almost half a century.
“I want to say congratulations to you and your team and your family,” said Djokovic. “You absolutely deserve this victory. What an amazing week you have had. I am not happy that you beat me, but on the other hand I am happy for you because I like your personality and you are a very dedicated guy who loves tennis and is putting in a lot of hours of hard work. It is paying off for you and I am sure the future is bright for you and your team.”
Up next for both players will be the ATP Finals in Turin, which begins on 13 November.
